Dinner

Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe

ByMarina Montclair January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

Introduction

This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on a classic favorite. The rich Boursin cheese adds a flavorful herb-infused creaminess, perfectly complemented by a crispy buttery breadcrumb topping. It’s a simple recipe that comes together quickly, ideal for a cozy weeknight meal.

A close-up of a white oval baking dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese made with spiral rotini pasta. The pasta is coated in a smooth, pale yellow cheese sauce, forming the first layer. On top, there is a thick covering of golden brown toasted breadcrumbs, sprinkled evenly with small green herb pieces. Some breadcrumb clusters are darker and crispier, providing a textured contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a light beige cloth partially visible to the left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz short pasta (such as macaroni, shells, or similar)
1 round Boursin cheese
1 cup grated white cheddar cheese, packed
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup plain breadcrumbs

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside, reserving a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: In the empty pasta pot or a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until smooth and bubbly. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking to prevent lumps. Add the Boursin cheese and grated white cheddar, stirring gently until melted and creamy. If the sauce thickens too much, add milk a little at a time until smooth. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
Step 3: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat every piece. For a looser consistency, add a splash of reserved pasta water or more milk. Let it sit for a couple of minutes as the sauce thickens slightly. Gently fold the pasta to keep it intact.
Step 4: In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 5: Transfer the mac and cheese to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs generously over the top. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

Use shells or elbow macaroni for best results as they hold the sauce well.
For extra flavor, stir in a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
Try swapping the white cheddar for Gruyère or fontina for a different cheese profile.
If you prefer a baked version, transfer the mixed pasta to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens. The breadcrumb topping is best added fresh before serving to maintain its crunch.

How to Serve

An oval white ceramic dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese made with spiral pasta, covered with a thick layer of golden brown toasted breadcrumbs sprinkled with small green herb bits. The pasta beneath is a pale yellow color, fully coated in melted cheese sauce, visible around the edges where it meets the crispy breadcrumb topping. There are small areas where the breadcrumbs are darker, showing slight charring for texture contrast. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with some breadcrumbs spilled on the marble nearby, and a beige cloth napkin partially under the dish on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like macaroni, shells, or rotini works well because they hold the cheese sauce effectively.

What if I don’t have Boursin cheese?

You can substitute with a soft herbed cheese like cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs, but Boursin provides a distinctive flavor that makes this dish special.